here is the comment and reaction. >> i am going to stop the subsidy to pbs. i love big bird. >> thank goodness somebody is finally getting tough on big bird. it is about time. >> reporter: people seemed stunned. >> i grew up with big bird and i would hate to see him leave the television but if it is -- i mean if he is in the way of progress -- >> i know what -- who i like. >> we were surprised -- we were surprised that something that hike that -- like that would be targeted for elimination. on facebook, twitter, writing to us, calling us, it has been a fantastic reaction and we have great faith this is a political ploy. >> last election when john mccain was talking about the average joe, the big bird thing is blowing up too. >> reporter: here is a list of big bird invitation from saturday night live, piers morgan to morning shows. big bird's boss says with the problems facing the nation it was a stunning, unbelievable moment that focus should fall on public broadcasting. health and science editor john fowler ktvu channel 2 news. >>> google and a group of publ